Theater News

8th Annual August Wilson Monologue Competition Announces 2016 Dates

The event aims to expose a new generation to the work of this seminal American playwright.

True Colors Theatre Company Cofounding Artistic Director Kenny Leon will work with students as part of the 8th annual August Wilson Monologue Competition.
True Colors Theatre Company cofounding artistic director Kenny Leon will work with students as part of the eighth annual August Wilson Monologue Competition.
(© David Gordon)

True Colors Theatre Company (Kenny Leon, cofounding artistic director) and Jujamcyn Theaters have announced plans for the eighth annual August Wilson Monologue Competition, which will take place May 2 at 7pm at Broadway's August Wilson Theatre. The free event features high school students from Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, and Seattle performing monologues by the legendary American playwright. There will also be a special performance by American blues musician and actor Guy Davis, with additional special guests to be announced.

Two finalists from each regional city will compete on the August Wilson Stage on May 2. A panel of celebrity judges will evaluate the competitors and select a winner. The evening will also include performances by well-known Wilsonian veterans and special musical guests. The complete list of performers will be announced shortly.

The top three contestants from the national competition receive monetary awards. The first place winner will receive a $1,500 cash prize, the runner-up a $1,000 cash prize, and the honorable mention a $500 cash prize. Each of the winners will also become eligible for college scholarship opportunities, and all finalists receive the gift of TCG’s Century Cycle collection.

This year's competition will also afford students from these cities the opportunity to attend two Broadway shows, Hamilton and The Color Purple, and work closely with two of Wilson’s closest collaborators, director Kenny Leon and dramaturg Todd Kreidler.

For more information, click here.

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